Use of Feng Jiao (propolis) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Collect propolis from beehives every 10 days during warm seasons. Press collected propolis to form a bigger shape and have them kept in a wax paper. Store them in cool shade.
Dosage: Cover relevant area as an ointment
Main actions according to TCM*: Softens hard skin and tissues. Reduces inflammation and eases pain. Strengthens the immune system.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Feng Jiao may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Calluses Burns Mouth ulcers Stomach ulcers Cervical ectropion Skin fissures
Key TCM concepts behind Feng Jiao's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Feng Jiao belongs to the 'Herbs for external application' category. Like the name indicates, this category of herbs is used mostly for external application in the form of powders, pastes or ointments. As such they are used to treat trauma, inflammation, swelling, bruises, bleeding, pain and so forth.
Furthermore Feng Jiao is Warm in nature. This means that Feng Jiao tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Feng Jiao can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Feng Jiao also tastes Pungent. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like Feng Jiao tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Feng Jiao is thought to target the Spleen and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Feng Jiao
<p><span>Propolis extract is effective in controlling pathogenic fungi Candida albicans.<sup><a href="#source1">1</a></sup></span></p>
<p><span>Propolis has plenty of biological and pharmacological properties and might notably be useful for the establishment of drugs against tumors, infections, allergy, diabetes, ulcers and with immunomodulatory action.<sup><a href="#source2">2</a></sup></span></p>
<p><small><strong>Sources:</strong></small></p>
<p id="source1"><small>1. Gavanji, S; Larki, B (2015). "Comparative effect of propolis of honey bee and some herbal extracts on Candida albicans". Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 23 (3): 201–7. doi:10.1007/s11655-015-2074-9.</small></p>
<p id="source2"><small>2. Sforcin JM, Bankova V (2011). "Propolis: is there a potential for the development of new drugs?". J Ethnopharmacol (Review). 133 (2): 253–60. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2010.10.032.</small></p>
Use of Feng Jiao as food
Feng Jiao is also eaten as food.